Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Programme Phase 3 launched

Apr 2, 2025 | Initiatives and Projects, News | 0

The third phase of the Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Programme (VAPJP)was officially launched yesterday, marking an important step in the ongoing partnership between the two nations.

The programme aims to improve policing, justice, and community services across Vanuatu, reinforcing the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for everyone.

Speaking at the launch, Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Max Willis, noted the importance of the programme’s renewal. “When a programme is renewed twice and reaches Phase 3, it shows that things are working well. This is an important step in our long-term partnership with the justice sector and the police,” he said.

He also mentioned that the partnership between Australia and Vanuatu in policing and justice has lasted for 20 years, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting peace and prosperity for both nations and the wider region.

High Commissioner Willis added that Phase 3 builds on the successes of earlier phases. “This phase strengthens our existing partnership and continues the progress we have already made. We worked together during Phase 2, and we will continue through the Strategic Framework for the Justice Programme,” he said.

Minister of Justice, Youth and Community Services, Job Andy, acknowledged the key role of his ministry in leading justice sector agencies across Vanuatu. He commended the VAPJP partnership for supporting the rule of law and ensuring that community services meet the needs of all citizens in an inclusive way.

“Through the VAPJP, agencies can collaborate effectively, and we’ve already seen positive results. The first and second phases laid a solid foundation, and now we look forward to strengthening our work in Phase 3,” Minister Andy stated.

Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, acknowledged both the Australian and Vanuatu governments for their continued support through the VAPJP. “This programme keeps growing, and we appreciate the ongoing assistance in helping the people of Vanuatu. The Australia-Vanuatu partnership is based on trust and is a strong one,” he said.

On behalf of the Vanuatu government, Minister Napuat thanked the Australian government and its people for their continued support through the Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services.

High Commissioner Willis revealed Australia’s investment in the programme, saying that over AUD 50 millionhas been committed under the first and second phases. “Together, we’ve worked to improve the quality and reach of justice and policing services, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and people with disabilities. However, there’s still more to be done,” he said.

He reaffirmed Australia’s role as Vanuatu’s largest development partner and its commitment to strengthening justice and policing services to ensure a safer society for all. “I look forward to working alongside everyone over the next four years,” he concluded.

Australia’s support for Vanuatu’s law enforcement began in 2002, initially assisting the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF). Over time, this support has expanded to include initiatives like the Pacific Faculty of Policing, the Pacific Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation, and the Cyber Safety Pasifika Programme. These efforts aim to strengthen Vanuatu’s policing services to meet the changing demands of law enforcement.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Man remanded over alleged sexual assault of four-year-old girl August 13, 2026
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Dr Damutalau said most HPV infections clear naturally, but some remain and can increase the risk of cervical cancer. He said about 90 per cent of cervical cancers are linked to HPV, which is why vaccination and early screening are important. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Vanuatu’s education crisis a ‘national disaster’ – Pikinini Playtime CEO August 12, 2026
Pikinini Playtime founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tony Batten has described Vanuatu’s education situation as a “national disaster”, warning that poor literacy outcomes among children could affect the country’s future development. Speaking during an interview on Kava Mo Kajap, Mr. Batten said reports that around 70 per cent of children are unable to read and write at the expected level should be treated as a serious national concern. “I think it is a national disaster, like a hurricane or an earthquake,” Mr. Batten said. He said Vanuatu’s greatest resource is not its land or natural resources, but its people, and education is the foundation needed to develop that human resource. “Human resources are the number one resource for Vanuatu,” he said. Mr. Batten said countries that have successfully moved from being less developed to more advanced economies have done so by investing heavily in education and building a skilled population. However, he said Vanuatu’s current education results remain a major concern despite the country spending a significant amount of its national budget on education. “Vanuatu gives a lot of money per capita into education, but the results are still among the lowest in the Pacific,” he said. The Pikinini Playtime founder said the challenge is not only about funding but about how the education system delivers results. He questioned why many students continue to leave school without basic reading and writing skills despite years spent in classrooms. Mr. Batten said the impact of poor education outcomes can also be seen in the country’s workforce, where businesses often recruit skilled workers from overseas to fill positions. “We bring people from the Philippines and other countries to do accounting, bookkeeping, management, building and supervisory work, but many ni-Vanuatu are not able to take those opportunities because they do not have the basic education,” he said. He said the literacy issue must be addressed early because children who fail to develop strong reading skills in their early years often struggle throughout their education journey. Mr. Batten also raised concerns about the value placed on education within the system. He said teacher absenteeism, weak accountability and a lack of support for educators contribute to children losing confidence in learning. “When children see that school is not important, they begin to believe they don’t need school,” he said. Mr. Batten acknowledged that many teachers are working under difficult conditions but said the system needs stronger support, training and leadership to improve outcomes. He believes improving education requires everyone involved — government, schools, teachers, principals and parents — to work together. “Children are smart. They have the ability. But they need the right support and the right opportunities,” he said. Mr. Batten said addressing literacy must become a national priority because the future of Vanuatu depends on the quality of education provided to today’s children. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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